Council Tax scams

Oxford City Council is warning Oxford residents against Council Tax scams aimed at getting their personal bank details and conning them out of their money.

Scammers are contacting people by phone, text and email and posing as staff from the council, the Valuation Office Agency or the Tax Recovery Bureau in order to defraud them.

Known Council Tax scams

These are some of the Council Tax scams we're aware of.

Paid too much Council Tax

Scammers will say you've paid too much Council Tax and are due a refund, which fraudsters offer to claim on their behalf for a fee. 

Fact: The council will never ask for payment to make a Council Tax refund.

Wrong Council Tax band refund

Scammers will say your home is in the wrong council tax band and offer a refund in return for a fee.

Fact: Council Tax band reassessments are free.

Council Tax arrears

Scammers will say you are in arrears with your Council Tax and demand payment.

How to verify genuine contact and avoid being scammed

 All Oxford City Council email addresses end with @oxford.gov.uk. 

The council does ask for information from residents to administer their council tax accounts, including refunds or arranging arrears collection. Get in touch with our team directly if you'd like to verify any contact you've received.

More information

Council tax scams at GOV.UK